Media interface device

ABSTRACT

A method includes receiving, at a media interface device, a media selection command included in a first communication from an application executing on a processor in a display device. The method further includes transmitting a signal to a particular module of a plurality of modules of the media interface device, where the particular module is selected based on the media selection command, and where each of the plurality of modules is configured to receive media content from a corresponding media source. The method further includes sending a second communication to the application. The second communication includes a particular media content item received via the particular module.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to media interface devices.

BACKGROUND

Multimedia devices, such as “smart” televisions, tablet computers,mobile phones, set top boxes, etc. may receive multimedia content thatoriginates from a variety of providers. The variety of providers maytransmit content using a variety of transmission technologies (e.g., 8vestigial sideband modulation, satellite digital video broadcasting,internet protocol television, cable television, cellular communication,online streaming, etc.). Certain multimedia devices may be incompatiblewith certain transmission technologies. Therefore, intermediate devices,such as set top boxes, may receive content and convert the content to aformat that a multimedia device is configured to receive. However,providing an intermediate device for each multimedia device and/or foreach transmission technology may be costly. For example, if a user hasthree televisions in his or her home, then to view both satellite andcable television programs at each of the televisions, the user may needto acquire six set top boxes (e.g., a separate cable and satellite settop box for each of the three televisions). Further, recorded cable andsatellite content may be stored separately (e.g., in one or more digitalvideo recorders (DVRs)), so it may be cumbersome for the user to switchbetween different recorded programs. In addition, intermediate devices(e.g., set top boxes) may use different user interface control schemes,which may lead to the user having to keep track of multiple remotecontrol devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, is a block diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of mediainterface device;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating another particular embodiment ofusing a media interface device;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another particular embodiment ofusing a media interface device;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another particular embodiment ofusing a media interface device;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating messages that may be sent to andreceived from a media interface device;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that illustrates a particular embodiment of amethod for operating a media interface device;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a generalcomputer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a media interface device and methods ofusing the media interface device. A media interface device may include aplurality of modules configured to receive media content fromcorresponding media sources. Each media source may be associated with acorresponding communication technology (e.g., 8 vestigial sidebandmodulation, satellite digital video broadcasting, internet protocoltelevision, cable television, cellular communication, online streaming,etc.). Each module may be configured to convert data received from thecorresponding media source into a common format (e.g., an internetprotocol format). The media interface device may communicate with anapplication executed by a processor of a display device (e.g., atelevision, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, oranother device capable of displaying media content). In particularexamples, the media interface device may communicate with more than oneapplication. For example, more than one application may be executing ata processor, or the media interface device may communicate withapplications executed by processors at different display devices.

The media interface device may receive a media selection command from anapplication. The media selection command may specify a module and aparticular media content item (e.g., a television program) or channel(e.g., a television channel). In response to the media selectioncommand, the media interface device may send the particular mediacontent item to the application using the common format (e.g., theinternet protocol format). In particular examples, the media selectioncommand may be generated by the application based on input received froma remote control device associated with the display device. The mediainterface device may also include one or more components (e.g., modules)that are configured to convert received media content into the commonformat (e.g., into IP packets).

Thus, the media interface device may be controlled by one or moreapplications executing at one or more display devices (e.g.,televisions). Since a user may interact with the application using aremote control associated with the display device, the media interfacedevice may enable the user to select content from multiple sources usinga single remote control device (associated with the display device)rather than separate remote control devices for each content source. Forexample, because applications executing at televisions may directlyinteract with the media interface device, set top boxes may not beneeded to request and view media content. Additionally, since the mediainterface device may receive commands from and provide content to morethan one display device, a separate intermediate device (e.g., a set topbox) for each display device is not needed to receive content from avariety of providers that use a variety of technologies to transmitcontent. Thus, in accordance with the disclosed systems and methods, auser may use his or her television remote control to view, record, andswitch between programming from various content sources, such as cable,satellite, internet protocol television, online streaming, etc.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, a method includes receiving, ata media interface device, a media selection command included in a firstcommunication from an application executing on a processor in a displaydevice. The media selection command identifies a particular mediacontent item. The method further includes receiving the particular mediacontent item via a particular module of a plurality of modules of themedia interface device. The particular module is selected based on themedia selection command. Each of the plurality of modules is configuredto receive media content from a corresponding media source. The methodfurther includes sending a second communication to the application. Thesecond communication includes at least a portion of the particular mediacontent item received via the particular module.

In another illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality ofmodules. Each module of the plurality of modules is configured toreceive media content from a corresponding media source. The apparatusfurther includes an interface configured to receive a media selectioncommand included in a first communication from an application executingon a processor in a display device. The media selection commandidentifies a particular media content item. The interface is alsoconfigured to send a second communication to the application, where thesecond communication includes at least a portion of the particular mediacontent item. The apparatus further includes a control plane configuredto select a particular module of the plurality of modules to receive theparticular media content item based on the media selection command.

In another illustrative embodiment, a computer readable storage devicestores instructions executable by a processor to perforin operationsincluding receiving, at a media interface device, a media selectioncommand included in a first communication from an application executingon a processor in a display device. The media selection commandidentifies a particular media content item. The operations furtherinclude receiving the particular media content item via a particularmodule of a plurality of modules of the media interface device. Theparticular module is selected based on the media selection command, andeach of the plurality of modules is configured to receive media contentfrom a corresponding media source. The operations further includesending a second communication to the application. The secondcommunication includes at least a portion of the particular mediacontent item received via the particular module.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram 100 illustrating a particular illustrativeembodiment of a media interface device 102. The media interface device102 may function as a “universal gateway” that enables access to liveand/or recorded media content available from various types of contentsources. The media interface device 102 includes a control plane 104 incommunication with a plurality of modules 106, 108, 110, 112. Thecontrol plane 104 may be configured to send control signals to theplurality of modules 106, 108, 110, 112. In the illustrated example, thecontrol plane 104 communicates with an 8-level vestigial sidebandmodulation (8VSB) module 106, a satellite digital video broadcasting(DVB) module 108, an internet protocol television (IPTV) module 110, anda cable television (CATV) module 112. In some examples, the controlplane 104 may be in communication with more modules or fewer modules.For example, the control plane 104 may be in communication with multiplemodules of the same type (e.g., two different satellite DVB modules 108corresponding to two different satellite television providers, contentsources, or satellite transmission technologies).

The media interface device 102 may further include additional modules114, 116 not controlled by the control plane 104. In the illustratedexample, the media interface device 102 includes a first direct internetaccess module 114 and a second direct internet access module 116. Themedia interface device 102 may include more or fewer direct internetaccess modules in alternative embodiments.

The media interface device 102 may further include an interface 182.While a single interface 182 is shown, the interface 182 may represent aplurality of interfaces to support communication in accordance with aplurality of communications standards. For example, the interface 182may include an Ethernet interface, a home phone networking allianceinterface (e.g., for communication of IP packets via a coaxial cableconnection), a power-line (e.g., Ethernet over power-line) interface, anInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11interface, any other link layer interface, or a combination thereof. Theinterface 182 may enable communication between components of the mediainterface device 102 (e.g., the control plane 104 and/or the modules106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116) and display devices. Thus, the mediainterface device 102 may support multiple types of network technologiesto communicate with applications executing at display devices (e.g.,televisions). For example, a television 199 located near the mediainterface device 102 may communicate via a wired Ethernet connectionwith the media interface device 102, whereas a television located in aseparate room of a house from the media interface device 102 may utilizea wireless IEEE 802.11 connection or a power-line connection tocommunicate with the media interface device 102. It should be noted thatalthough one or more embodiments described herein referencecommunication between the media interface device 102 and television(s),such embodiments are not to be considered limiting. The systems andmethods of the present disclosure are also compatible with applicationsexecuting on display devices other than televisions, such as mobilephones, laptop computers, tablet computers, or other devices capable ofdisplaying media content, as illustrative non-limiting examples.

Each of the modules 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 of the media interfacedevice 102 may be configured to receive media content from acorresponding media source. For example, in the illustrated example, the8VSB module 106 includes a receiver 138 configured to receive mediacontent (e.g., broadcast television) from an antenna 118. The antenna118 may receive the media content over-the-air from a terrestrialbroadcaster (e.g., a television station). The 8VSB module 106 furtherincludes a demodulator 140 configured to demodulate the media contentreceived at the receiver 138. The 8VSB module 106 further includes atuner 142 configured to tune to particular media content received by thereceiver 138. For example, the receiver 138 may receive a plurality oftelevision channels and the tuner 142 may be configured to select aparticular channel (e.g., a particular frequency or frequency range) ofthe plurality of television channels. The tuner 142 may be responsive tocontrol signals from the control plane 104. The 8VSB module 106 furtherincludes a decoder 144. The decoder 144 may be configured to decode theparticular media content (e.g., programs of the selected televisionchannel). In a particular embodiment, decoders within the mediainterface device 102, such as the decoder 144, are configured to decryptmedia content that is received in an encrypted format.

For example, decoders within the media interface device 102 may storeand manage decryption key(s) provided by content providers. The 8VSBmodule 106 further includes a packetizer 146. The packetizer 146 isconfigured to packetize the decoded particular media content. Forexample, the packetizer 146 may insert audio and/or video data fromreceived media content into one or more internet protocol (IP) packets.The packetizer 146 may send the packetized audio and/or video data tothe interface 182 for transmission (e.g., to the television 199). Toillustrate, the media interface device 102 and the television 199 may becoupled via an IP network (e.g., the television 199 may have an Ethernetport that is connected to an Ethernet port of the media interface device102 or the television may have an IEEE 802.11 wireless network adapterconfigured to communicate wirelessly with the media interface device102), and the packetizer 146 may encapsulate media (e.g., audio, video,and or text) content in IP packets for communication between the mediainterface device 102 and the television 199. The television 199 mayreceive the IP packets and may output the media content based on dataincluded in the IP packets. For example, video content may be output ata display screen and audio content may be output at one or morespeakers.

The satellite DVB module 108 may include a receiver 148 configured toreceive media content (e.g., satellite television) from a satelliteantenna 120. The satellite antenna 120 may receive the media contentover-the-air from a satellite broadcaster. The satellite DVB module 108may further include a demodulator 150 configured to demodulate the mediacontent received at the receiver 148, a tuner 152 responsive to thecontrol plane 104 and configured to tune to (e.g., select) particularmedia content received by the receiver 148, a decoder 154 configured todecode the particular media content (e.g., programs of a selectedtelevision channel), and a packetizer 156 configured to packetizedecoded media content (e.g., into IP packets).

The IPTV module 110 may include a receiver 158 configured to receivemedia content (e.g., IPTV content) from a modem 130. The modem 130 mayreceive the media content via an incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC)very-high bit-rate digital subscriber line (VDSL) connection 122 to anIPTV provider. In alternative embodiments, a different type ofconnection may be used to communicate with the IPTV provider. The modem130 may also communicate directly with other devices (e.g., thetelevision 199) via the interface 182. The IPTV module 110 may furtherinclude a demodulator 160 configured to demodulate the media contentreceived at the receiver 158 and an IPTV content selector 162 configuredto generate requests for content to be transmitted via the modem 130 tothe IPTV provider. It should be noted that the IPTV content selector 162may operate differently from cable or satellite tuners. For example,instead of tuning to a particular channel or frequency range, the IPTVcontent selector 162 may request that particular media content (e.g., aparticular television channel or program) be provided by the IPTVprovider to the receiver 158. In an illustrative example, the IPTVcontent selector 162 generates internet group management protocol (IGMP)requests, such as join requests or leave requests for unicast ormulticast communication, as illustrative non-limiting examples. The IPTVmodule 110 further includes a decoder 164 configured to decode mediacontent (e.g., programs of a selected television channel) and apacketizer 166 configured to packetize decoded media content. Forexample, because an IGMP join request for a multicast group istransmitted by the media interface device 102, the IPTV packets receivedvia the multicast group may identify the media interface device 102 asthe destination of the IPTV packets. To provide received IPTV content tothe television 199 (and optionally to additional televisions, asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 2-3), the decoder 164 may extractaudio/video data from the received IPTV packets and the packetizer 166may packetize the extracted audio/video content into IP packets that aresent to an IP address of the television 199. Alternatively, the decoder164 may be bypassed and the packetizer 166 may forward the received IPTVpackets to the television 199, such as by modifying a destinationaddress field of the received IPTV packets.

The CATV module 112 may include a receiver 168 configured to receivemedia content (e.g., cable television content) from a digital cablemulticast connection 124. The digital cable multicast connection 124 mayreceive the media content from a cable television provider. The CATVmodule 112 further includes a demodulator 170 configured to demodulatethe media content received at the receiver 168, a tuner 172 responsiveto the control plane 104 and configured to tune to particular mediacontent received by the receiver 168, a decoder 174 configured to decodemedia content (e.g., programs of a selected television channel), and apacketizer 176 configured to packetize decoded media content. In theillustrated example, the digital cable multicast connection is furthercoupled to a modem 132. The modem 132 may transmit content and messagesdirectly to and from the interface 182 (e.g., to support communicationbetween the television 199 and a cable television network).

Whereas the 8VSB module 106, the satellite DVB module 108, the IPTVmodule 110, and the CATV module 112 enable receiving and convertingmedia content into a common format (e.g., IP packets) supported by thetelevision 199, the media interface device 102 may also supportbypassing certain format conversion operations in certain scenarios. Forexample, the media interface device 102 includes direct access modules114, 116 that process media content received from certain types ofcontent sources without performing demodulation or decoding. Toillustrate, the first direct internet access module 114 may include apacketizer 178. The packetizer 178 may receive packets (e.g., IPpackets) from a modem 134 in communication with an internet serviceprovider (ISP) 126. The packetizer 178 may extract the contents ofpackets (e.g., packets addressed to a public IP address of the mediagateway device 102) received from the modem 134 and insert the contentsinto new packets (e.g., packets addressed to a private IP address of adevice in communication with the interface 182). The new packets may besent to other devices (e.g., the television 199).

Similarly, the packetizer 178 may receive packets (e.g., packetsaddressed to a private IP address of the media interface device 102)from the interface 182. The packetizer 178 may extract the contents ofpackets (e.g., packets addressed to a private IP address of the mediagateway device 102) received from the interface 182 and insert thecontents into new packets (e.g., packets addressed to a public IPaddress of a device in communication with the ISP 126). The new packetsmay be sent to the modem 134 to be sent to the ISP 126. In analternative embodiment, the packetizer 178 may change packet headers toredirect packets instead of generating new packets. For example, thepacketizer 178 may change a destination address field of a packet to theIP address of the television 199, thereby causing the interface 182 toforward the packet to the television 199.

The second direct internet access module 116 may include a packetizer180. The packetizer 180 may receive packets (e.g., IP packets) from themodem 136. The modem 136 may be in communication with a cellular serviceprovider 128 that supports communication of IP packets. For example, thecellular service provider 128 may be associated with a third generation(3G) network, a fourth generation (4G) network, a long term evolution(LTE) network, a LTE advanced (LTE-A) network, or another type ofnetwork that supports communication of IP packets, as illustrativenon-limiting examples. The packetizer 180 may extract the contents ofpackets (e.g., packets addressed to a public IP address of the mediagateway device 102) received from the modem 136 and insert the contentsinto new packets (e.g., packets addressed to a private IP address of adevice in communication with the interface 182). The new packets may besent to the interface 182 to be sent to other devices (e.g., thetelevision 199). The packetizer 180 may also process upstreamcommunication packets sent by the television 199 to the media interfacedevice 102 and may forward content included in such packets to thecellular service provider 128 via the modem 136.

The media interface device 102 further includes a storage device 103.The storage device 103 may be a hard drive, a solid state drive, anotherkind of storage device, or a combination thereof. The storage device 103may be configured to store media content items received by the modules106, 108, 110, 112. For example, the storage device 103 may providestorage and retrieval of media content items to enable digital videorecorder (DVR) functionality at a single device (e.g., the mediainterface device 102) for media content received from multiple types ofcontent sources (e.g., 8VSB, satellite, cable, IPTV, etc.). In analternative embodiment, a DVR storage device may be external to themedia interface device 102 (e.g., offsite storage or included in aseparate device that is accessible to the media interface device 102).

In operation, each of the modules 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 mayprovide content received from a corresponding content provider to anapplication executing at a device in communication with the interface182. Further, operation of the modules 106, 108, 110, 112 may becontrolled by the control plane 104 based on messages received from theapplication. In the illustrated example, a processor of the television199 executes an application 198. In alternative embodiments, as furtherdescribed with reference to FIGS. 2-3, the media interface device 102may communicate with multiple applications executing at a display deviceand/or applications executing at different display devices. Theapplication 198 may send messages to and receive messages from theinterface 182 of the media interface device 102. The application 198 maybe responsive to a remote control signal 193 received from a remotecontrol device 191. For example, the remote control signal 193 may be achannel change signal or a media selection signal. Based on the remotecontrol signal 193, the application 198 may generate a media selectioncommand 192. The media selection command 192 may identify one of themodules 106, 108, 110, 112 and identify particular media content (e.g.,a television channel or program). To illustrate, the application 198 maybe specific to retrieval of 8VSB content, and may therefore communicatewith the 8VSB module 106 but not with other modules of the mediainterface device 102. Alternatively, a single application may be used toreceive content from more than one type of module. In this example, theapplication 198 may determine which module type to indicate in the mediaselection command 192 based on input (e.g., from the remote controldevice 191), such as when a user of the remote control device 191selects a particular content provider or content type. Examples of suchuse cases of the media interface device 102 are further describedherein.

Thus, as further described herein, the application 198 may generate themedia selection command 192 based on user input received via the remotecontrol device 191, based on a timer/scheduler of the television 199, orbased on one or more other inputs. The media selection command 192 maybe included in a first communication 186 (e.g., a first IP packet),which may be transmitted to the media interface device 102 via a firstframe (e.g., data packet) 190. Examples of frames that may becommunicated between the media interface device 102 and the television199 include, but are not limited to, an Ethernet frame, a home phonenetworking alliance frame, a power-line frame (e.g., Ethernet overpower-line frame), an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) 802.11 frame, or another link layer frame.

The interface 182 may extract the first communication 186 from the firstframe 190 (e.g., via a de-encapsulation process) and relay the firstcommunication 186 to the control plane 104. The control plane 104 mayextract the media selection command 192 from the first communication186. The control plane 104 may determine a type of module identified bythe media selection command 192, what particular media content item isrequested, and what type of action is requested. If a module type is notidentified by the media selection command 192, the control plane 104 maydetermine the module type based on the media content item that isrequested (e.g., if the media content item is an over-the-air televisionchannel, the control plane 104 may determine that the 8VSB module 106 isto be used or based on the application). Information regarding themodule type, the requested media content item, etc. may be included inone or more fields of the media selection command 192. In theillustrated example, the media selection command 192 identifies the 8VSBmodule type and a particular media content item 184 and requests thatthe particular media content item 184 be sent to the application 198. Inother examples, the media selection command 192 may request that theparticular media content item 184 be stored at the storage device 103(e.g., a network DVR storage device) in addition to or in thealternative to being sent to the application 198.

The control plane 104 may determine whether a module of the module typeidentified by the media selection command 192 is available to send theparticular media content item 184 to the application 198. For example,each of the modules 106, 108, 110, 112 may support outputting a limitednumber (e.g., one) of media content items at a time (e.g., one at atime). Modules that are outputting the limited number of media contentitems to other applications may not be available. Modules that areoutputting less than the limited number of media content items or thatare outputting media content to only the application 198 (and not to anyother applications) may be available. Modules may output a media contentitem to more than one application, as described below with reference toFIG. 3.

When no module is available to output the particular media content itemto the application 198, the control plane 104 may send a message to theapplication 198 via the interface 182 indicating that service isunavailable. When a module is available to output the particular mediacontent item, the control plane 104 may send a signal to the availablemodule based on the media selection command 192. The selected module106, 108, 110, or 112 may provide the particular media contentidentified by the media selection command 192 to the interface 182 inresponse to the signal. The particular media content may be provided ina “common” communication format (e.g., IP packets) that the mediainterface device 102 and the application 198 are both compatible with.

In the illustrated example, the control plane 104 determines that the8VSB module 106 is available to output the particular media content item184 to the application 198. The receiver 138 of the 8VSB module 106receives media content 183 including the particular media content item184 from the antenna 118. The control plane 104 sends a signal 105 tothe tuner 142 of the 8VSB module 106 in response to the media selectioncommand 192. Based on the signal 105, the tuner 142 selects theparticular media content item 184 from the received media content 183.The 8VSB module 106 sends a second communication 188 including theparticular media content item 184 (or at least a portion thereof) to theinterface 182 to be delivered to the application 198. For example, whenthe particular media content item 184 corresponds to a televisionchannel, the second communication 188 may include at least one videoframe for the television channel, video data for the television channelcorresponding to at least particular duration of time (e.g., onesecond), etc. In a particular example, the signal 105 may identify an IPaddress of the television 199 (or the application 198).

The interface 182 may transmit the second communication 188 to theapplication 198 via a second frame 194 (e.g., an Ethernet frame, a homephone networking alliance frame, a power-line frame (e.g., Ethernet overpower-line frame), an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) 802.11 frame, or another link layer frame). The application 198may cause the particular media content item 184 to be displayed at adisplay screen of the television 199. For example, in response toreceiving the second frame 194, the application 198 may extract mediacontent from the second frame 194 and output the media content at thetelevision 199.

In one example of operation, a user of the television 199 may desire toview content from an 8VSB source. An illustrative example of 8VSBcontent includes over-the-air digital high-definition content that isbroadcast in accordance with advanced television system committee (ATSC)standards. The user may use the remote control device 191 to launch theapplication 198 and select (e.g., via the remote control signal 193 andresponsive to an electronic program guide (EPG) or other graphical userinterface (GUI) displayed on the television 199) a particular 8VSBchannel (e.g., a channel that is broadcasting the particular mediacontent item 184). In response to the user's selection, the application198 may generate the media selection command 192, where the mediaselection command 192 identifies the 8VSB module 106 and the selectedchannel. The 8VSB module 106 may acquire the requested media contentitem 184 and provide the requested media content item 184 to thetelevision 199, as further described herein. The user may use the remotecontrol device 191 to launch and interact with other applications toview satellite television content, IPTV content, cable televisioncontent, etc. via the corresponding module(s) of the media interfacedevice 102. Further, the user may press button(s) of the remote controldevice 191 to launch and interact with a DVR application that isoperable to request and receive media content stored in the storagedevice 103 of the media interface device 102 or in a separate networkDVR device. The user may also press button(s) of the remote controldevice 191 to switch between watching live and recorded content. Toillustrate, while watching a live IPTV program being received by theIPTV module 110 of the media interface device 102, the user may use theremote control device 191 to switch to watching previously recordedsatellite TV content retrieved from the storage device 103 (or from aseparate network DVR device).

Thus, FIG. 1 illustrates a single media interface device 102 thatenables applications executing at display devices to access mediacontent received from various types of content sources, withoutrequiring that the display devices be connected to individual set topboxes or other intermediate devices for each of the content sources. Forexample, the application 198 may control the operation of the mediainterface device 102 based on user input received from a remote controldevice 191 associated with the television 199. Further, the mediainterface device 102 may be configured to store media content itemsreceived from various types of content sources. To illustrate, the mediainterface device 102 may function as a network DVR. Thus, the mediainterface device 102 may enable users to switch between different typesof live and/or recorded/DVR content (e.g., cable, satellite, IPTV,etc.).

Although FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in which the media interfacedevice 102 is responsive to an application at a single television, inalternative embodiments, multiple applications executing at multipletelevisions may be use the media interface device 102 in shared fashion.For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram 200 of a particularembodiment of sharing the media interface device 102 between multipleapplications 198, 201, 220 executing at multiple televisions 199, 218.

The application 198 may send the first frame 190 to the media interfacedevice 102 and may receive the second frame 194 from the media interfacedevice 102, as described above with reference to FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, asecond application 201 is also executed by processor(s) at thetelevision 199. The application 198 and the second application 201 maybe associated different ones of the modules 106, 108, 110, 112. Forexample, the first application 198 may be used to view 8VSB content andthe second application 201 may be used to view DVB content.Alternatively, the second application 201 may be capable of receivingmedia content from more than one type of module and may receive input(e.g., remote control input) indicating a selected type of module.

In the illustrated example, the second application 201 sends a thirdcommunication 204 that includes a second media selection command 203 tothe interface 182. The second media selection command 203 may be basedon input from a remote control device (e.g., the remote control device191 of FIG. 1) and may identify a type of module (e.g., a satellite DVBtype) and particular media content 222 (e.g., a particular televisionchannel). The third communication 204 is included in a third frame 202.The interface 182 extracts the third communication 204 from the thirdframe 202 and sends the third communication 204 to the control plane104. The control plane 104 may determine whether a module that matchesthe type identified by the second media selection command 203 isavailable to send the particular media content 222 identified by thesecond media selection command 203 to the second application 201.

In the illustrated example, the control plane 104 determines that thesatellite DVB module 108 is available to output the particular mediacontent item 222 to the second application 201. Accordingly, the controlplane 104 may send a signal 228 to the satellite DVB module 108identifying the particular content item 222. The signal 228 may furtheridentify the television 199 and the second application 201 (e.g., by IPaddress and port number).

Based on the signal 228, the tuner 152 may tune to the particular mediacontent item 222 of media content 221 received by the receiver 148. Thepacketizer 156 may incorporate the particular media content item 222into a fourth communication 208 (e.g., an IP packet) addressed to thesecond application 201 at the television 199 (e.g., by IP address andport number). The packetizer 156 may send the fourth communication 208to the interface 182. The interface 182 may incorporate the fourthcommunication 208 into a fourth frame 206 addressed to the television199 (e.g., to a media access control (MAC) address of an interface ofthe television 199). The television 199 may extract the fourthcommunication 208 from the fourth frame 206 and deliver the particularmedia content item 222 to the second application 201. The secondapplication 201 may cause the television 199 to display video describedby the particular media content item 222.

In the example of FIG. 2, a third application 220 is executed by aprocessor at a second television 218. For example, the third application220 may enable viewing of IPTV content. Alternatively, the thirdapplication 220 may be capable of receiving media content from more thanone type of module and may receive input (e.g., remote control input)indicating a selected type of module.

In the illustrated example, the third application 220 sends a fifthcommunication 212 that includes a third media selection command 211 tothe interface 182. The third media selection command 211 may be based oninput from a remote control device and may identify a type of module(e.g., an IPTV type) and a particular media content item 224 (e.g., aparticular television channel or television program). The fifthcommunication 212 is included in a fifth frame 210. The interface 182extracts the fifth communication 212 from the fifth frame 210 and sendsthe fifth communication 212 to the control plane 104. The control plane104 may determine whether a module that matches the type identified bythe third media selection command 211 is available to send theparticular media content 224 identified by the second media selectioncommand 211 to the third application 220.

In the illustrated example, the control plane 104 determines that theIPTV module 110 is available to output the particular media content item224 to the third application 220. Accordingly, the control plane 104 maysend a signal 230 to the IPTV module 110 identifying the particularcontent item 224. The signal 230 may further identify the secondtelevision 218 and the third application 220 (e.g., by IP address andport number).

Based on the signal 230, the content selector 162 may send a request 226via the modern 130 and the ILEC VDSL connection to the IPTV provider.The request 226 may include a request for the particular media content224. In response to the request 226, the IPTV provider may send theparticular content item 224 to the IPTV module 110 via the ILEC VDSLconnection 122 and the modem 130. The particular content item 224 may bereceived by the receiver 158. The packetizer 166 may incorporate theparticular media content item 224 into a sixth communication 216 (e.g.,an IP packet) addressed to the third application 220 at the secondtelevision 218 (e.g., by IP address and port number). The packetizer 166may send the sixth communication 216 to the interface 182. The interface182 may incorporate the sixth communication 216 into a sixth frame 214addressed to the second television 218 (e.g., to a media access control(MAC) address of an interface of the second television 218). The secondtelevision 218 may extract the sixth communication 216 from the sixthframe 214 and deliver the particular media content item 224 to the thirdapplication 220. The third application 220 may cause the secondtelevision 218 to display video described by the particular mediacontent item 224.

It should be noted, one or more of the operations described herein withreference to the applications 198, 201, 220 may occur at least partiallyconcurrently. As an example, the applications 198, 201 may concurrentlyexecute at the television 199 and enable a user to concurrently view8VSB content and satellite content (e.g., in a picture-in-picture (PiP)mode of the television). As another example, while one or more of theapplications 198, 201 is executing at the first television 199, theapplication 220 may be executed at the second television 218 to enable asecond user to view IPTV content. Thus, in accordance with the presentdisclosure, the media interface device 102 may serve different types ofmedia content to different applications executing on differenttelevisions at the same time. The same type of live or recorded contentmay be provided to multiple televisions (e.g., if enough correspondingmodules are available at the media interface device 102, if thetelevision are viewing the same content, if the storage device 103supports simultaneous access to different programs, etc.).

Thus, the diagram 200 illustrates how the media interface device 102 mayprovide media content items to a plurality of display devices (e.g.,televisions) responsive to media selection commands received from thedisplay devices. Accordingly, the diagram 200 illustrates how a singlemedia interface device may be used to provide media content receivedusing a plurality of communication techniques or technologies to aplurality of display devices. Therefore, the media interface device 102may enable a plurality of display devices to receive media contentwithout the need for a separate intermediate device (e.g., a set topbox) for each display device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram 300 of an embodiment of using themedia interface device 102 in which a module of the media interfacedevice 102 can be shared between multiple display devices. For example,if users at multiple televisions are watching the same content, then asingle module can be shared by the televisions and can send the contentto each of the televisions.

In the illustrated example, the application 198 sends the mediaselection command 192 to the interface 182, as described above withreference to FIG. 1. The media selection command 192 may identify the8VSB module type and the particular media content item 184 (e.g., aparticular television channel). The control plane 104 may receive themedia selection command 192 and determine whether any 8VSB modules areavailable to send the particular media content item 184 to theapplication 198. In the example of FIG. 3, the control plane 104determines that the 8VSB module 106 is already sending the particularmedia content item 184 (e.g., the particular television channel) to asecond application 310 executing at a processor of a second television312 (e.g., a user at the second television 312 is already watching thetelevision channel requested by the user at the first television 199).

In response, the control plane 104 may send a signal 305 to the 8VSBmodule 106. The signal 305 may indicate that the particular mediacontent item 184 should be sent to the application 198 (in addition tobeing sent to the application 310 at the second television 312). Forexample, the signal 305 may correspond to a multicast join message. Inresponse to the signal 305, the packetizer 146 of the 8VSB module 106may address communications including the particular media content item184 to both the application 198 at the television 199 and to the secondapplication 310 at the second television 312. For example, thepacketizer 146 may send a multicast (e.g., IP multicast) communication302 that includes the particular media content item 184 to the interface182. The interface 182 may receive the multicast communication 302 andgenerate frames for each destination of the multicast communication 302.In the illustrated example, the interface 182 generates a second frame304 that includes the multicast communication 302 and a third frame 306that includes multicast communication 302. The second frame 304 may havea destination address corresponding to an address (e.g., a MAC address)of an interface of the television 199 and the third frame 306 may have adestination address corresponding to an address (e.g., a MAC address) ofthe second television 312.

Thus, a single module of the media interface device 102 may be sharedbetween multiple display devices in certain situations (e.g., when usersat different display devices are watching the same television channel).By enabling sharing of modules when possible, the media interface device102 may keep more modules free to serve subsequent requests fordifferent television channels.

As described with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the media interface device 102may provide media content to display devices using IP packets that areaddressed to the display devices. In an IP system, each of the displaydevices may have an assigned IP address that can be used to addresspackets. In particular implementations, the media interface device 102may be a network gateway or router that is configured to manage IPaddress assignment to display devices. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates ablock diagram 400 of an embodiment in which the media interface device102 assigns IP addresses. In the illustrated example, the control plane104 may generate an assignment message 402. The control plane 104 maysend the assignment message 402 to the interface 182 to be sent to thetelevision 199 as part of a frame 404. The assignment message 402 maycorrespond to a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) message andmay assign an IP address to the television 199. In particular examples,the assignment message 402 may be sent to the television 199 in responseto one or more messages received from the television 199 (e.g., a DHCPdiscovery message and/or a DHCP request message).

Although not shown in FIG. 4, when the media interface device 102functions as a network gateway or router and assigns IP addresses, themedia interface device 102 may include additional network managementmodules and/or store additional network management data. As illustrativenon-limiting examples, the media interface device 102 may include a webserver that serves web pages corresponding to a configuration interface.To illustrate, a user may access the configuration interface to changenetwork management settings. As another example, the media interfacedevice 102 may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry to support an IEEE802.11 wireless network. As another example, the media interface device102 may include modules configured to implement network security and/orencryption. As another example, the media interface device 102 may storea DHCP routing table, a table of authorized MAC addresses, etc.

Referring to FIG. 5, a diagram 500 illustrating messages sent to andreceived from a media interface device is shown. The diagram 500illustrates examples of the first frame 190 and the second frame 194 ofFIG. 1. The first frame 190 and the second frame 194 may correspond toEthernet frames, IEEE 802.11 frames, home phone networking alliancemessages, power-line messages (e.g., Ethernet over power-line), or toanother type of link layer frame.

The first frame 190 may include a header 502 in addition to the firstcommunication 186. The header 502 may include a source field 504 and adestination field 506. The source field 504 may identify a MAC addressassociated with the media interface device 102 (e.g., a MAC addressassociated with the interface 182). The destination field 506 mayidentify a MAC address associated with the television 199 (e.g., a MACaddress associated with a communications interface of the television199).

The second frame 194 may include a header 508 in addition to the secondcommunication 188. The header 508 may include a source field 510 and adestination field 512. The source field 510 may identify the MAC addressassociated with the television 199. The destination field 512 mayidentify the MAC address associated with the media interface device 102.In some examples, as shown in FIG. 5, the frames 190, 194 may include aframe check sequence (FCS) field. The FCS field may be used for errordetection/correction.

Referring to FIG. 6 a flow diagram that illustrates a particularembodiment of a method 600 for operating a media interface device isshown. The method 600 may be performed by a media interface device, suchas the media interface device 102. The method 600 includes receiving, ata media interface device, a media selection command included in a firstcommunication from an application executing on a processor in a displaydevice, at 602. The media selection command identifies a particularmedia content item. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the mediainterface device 102 may receive the first communication 186 includingthe media selection command 192 from the application 198 executing at aprocessor of the television 199. The media selection command 192 mayidentify a type of media content that is being requested (e.g., cable,satellite, IPTV, etc.), a particular television channel, a particularprogram being broadcast on the particular television channel, etc.

The method 600 further includes receiving the particular media contentitem (or at least a portion thereof) via a particular module of aplurality of modules of the media interface device, at 604. Theparticular module is selected based on the media selection command, andeach of the plurality of modules is configured to receive media contentfrom a corresponding media source. For example, referring to FIG. 1, themedia interface device 102 includes the 8VSB module 106, the satelliteDVB module 108, the IPTV module 110, and the CATV module 112. Each ofthe modules 106, 108, 110, 112 is configured to receive media contentusing a different communication technology (e.g., the antenna 118, thesatellite antenna 120, the ILEC VDSL connection 122, and the digitalcable multicast connection 124). When the media selection command 192indicates that 8VSB content is requested, the control plane 104 maydetermine whether an 8VSB module is available to send the particularmedia content item 184 to the application 198 in response to the mediaselection command 192. In response to determining that the 8VSB module106 is available, the control plane 104 may send the signal 105 to the8VSB module 106 to cause the 8VSB module 106 to receive (e.g., acquire)the requested media content item 184.

The method 600 further includes sending a second communication to theapplication, the second communication including at least a portion ofthe particular media content item received via the particular module.For example, referring to FIG. 1, the 8VSB module 106 may, in responseto the signal 105, send the second communication 188 to the interface182 to be transmitted to the application 198. The second communication188 includes the particular media content item 184 (or at least aportion thereof) received by the 8VSB module as part of the mediacontent 183.

Referring to FIG. 7, an illustrative embodiment of a general computersystem is shown and is designated 700. The computer system 700 includesa set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computer system700 to perform any one or more of the methods or computer basedfunctions disclosed herein. The computer system 700 may operate as astandalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to othercomputer systems or peripheral devices. For example, the computer system700 may include or be included within the media interface device 102described with reference to FIGS. 1-5.

In a networked deployment, the computer system 700 may operate in thecapacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer(or distributed) network environment. The computer system 700 may alsobe implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a mobiledevice, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, acommunications device, a wireless telephone, a personal computer (PC), atablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an endpoint device, a webappliance, or any other machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine. In a particular embodiment, the computer system 700 maybe implemented using electronic devices that provide video, audio, ordata communication. Further, while a single computer system 700 isillustrated, the term “system” shall also be taken to include anycollection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointlyexecute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or morecomputer functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the computer system 700 may include aprocessor 702, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system 700 mayinclude a main memory 704 and a static memory 706, which can communicatewith each other via a bus 708. As shown, the computer system 700 mayfurther include a video display unit 710, such as a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a touch screendisplay, a flat panel display, or a solid state display. Additionally,the computer system 700 may include an input device 712, such as aremote control device or a keyboard, and a cursor control device 714,such as a mouse. In some embodiments, the input device 712 and thecursor control device 714 may be integrated into a single device, suchas a capacitive touch screen input device. The computer system 700 mayalso include a signal generation device 718, such as a speaker, and anetwork interface device 720. Some computer systems 700 may not includean input device (e.g., a server may not include an input device).

In a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 7, the computer system700 may include computer-readable storage 722 in which one or more setsof instructions 724, e.g. software, can be embedded. Thecomputer-readable storage 722 may be random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasablePROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), register(s),solid-state memory, hard disk, a removable disk, a compact discread-only memory (CD-ROM), other optical disk storage, magnetic diskstorage, magnetic storage devices, or any other storage device that canbe used to store program code in the form of instructions or data andthat can be accessed by a computer and/or a processor. Computer-readablestorage is not a signal. Further, the instructions 724 may embody one ormore of the methods or logic as described herein. The instructions 724may be executable by the processor 702 to perform one or more functionsor methods described herein, such as the method 600 described withreference to FIG. 6. In a particular embodiment, the instructions 724may reside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory704, the static memory 706, and/or within the processor 702 duringexecution by the computer system 700. The main memory 704 and theprocessor 702 also may include a computer-readable storage device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a particular embodiment in which the computer system700 may correspond to a media interface device, and the device mayinclude one or more modules 730. For example, the modules 730 maycorrespond to the modules 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 of FIGS. 1-4.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, suchas application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arraysand other hardware devices, may be constructed to implement one or moreof the methods described herein. Various embodiments may include avariety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodimentsdescribed herein may implement functions using two or more specificinterconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and datasignals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or asportions of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, andhardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein may be implemented by software programsexecutable by a computer system, a processor, or a device, which mayinclude forms of instructions embodied as a state machine implementedwith logic components in an ASIC or a field programmable gate array(FPGA) device. Further, in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment,implementations may include distributed processing, component/objectdistributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtualcomputer system processing may be constructed to implement one or moreof the methods or functionality as described herein. It is further notedthat a computing device, such as a processor, a controller, a statemachine or other suitable device for executing instructions to performoperations may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way ofone or more intermediate devices directed by the computing device.

The present disclosure includes computer-readable storage 722 thatstores instructions 724, so that a device connected to a network 728 maycommunicate voice, video or data over the network 728. While thecomputer-readable storage 722 is shown to be a single device, thecomputer-readable storage 722 may include a single device or multipledevices, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/orassociated caches and servers that store one or more sets ofinstructions. The computer-readable storage 722 is capable of storing aset of instructions for execution by a processor to cause a computersystem to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosedherein. For example, the computer-readable storage 722 may storeinstructions for execution by a processor to cause a computer system toperform the method 600 described with reference to FIG. 6.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, thecomputer-readable storage 722 may include a solid-state memory such asembedded memory (or a memory card or other package that houses one ormore non-volatile read-only memories). Further, the computer-readablestorage 722 may be a random access memory or other volatile re-writablememory. Additionally, the computer-readable storage 722 may include amagneto-optical or optical device, such as a disk or tapes or otherstorage device. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include anyone or more of a computer-readable storage device and other equivalentsand successor devices, in which data or instructions may be stored.

Although the one or more components and functions may be describedherein as being implemented with reference to particular standards orprotocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster ormore efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions.Wireless standards for device detection, short-range communications, andlong-range communications can be used by the computer system 700 inselected embodiments.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale.Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded asillustrative rather than restrictive.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order unlessexpressly stated. The use of the terms first, second, third and soforth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components, steps orfunctions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, one or moredevices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be implemented as multipleprocessors, which can include distributed processors or parallelprocessors in a single machine or multiple machines. The processor canbe used in supporting a virtual processing environment. The virtualprocessing environment may support one or more virtual machinesrepresenting computers, servers, or other computing devices. In suchvirtual machines (e.g., virtual servers), components such asmicroprocessors and storage devices may be virtualized or logicallyrepresented. The processor can include a state machine, an applicationspecific integrated circuit, and/or a programmable gate array (PGA)including a FPGA. In one or more embodiments, when a processor executesinstructions to perform “operations”, this can include the processorperforming the operations directly and/or facilitating, directing, orcooperating with another device or component to perform the operations.

The Abstract is provided with the understanding that it will not be usedto interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be groupedtogether or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus,the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimedsubject matter.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall withinthe scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowedby law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by thebroadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and theirequivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoingdetailed description.

1. A method comprising: receiving, at a media interface device, a mediaselection command included in a first communication from an applicationexecuting on a processor in a display device, the media selectioncommand identifying a particular media content item; receiving theparticular media content item via a particular module of a plurality ofmodules of the media interface device, wherein the particular module isselected based on the media selection command, wherein a first module ofthe plurality of modules is configured to receive first media content asa first packetized stream in a first format, wherein a second module ofthe plurality of modules is configured to receive second media contentin a second format different than the first format, and wherein each ofthe plurality of modules is configured to receive media content in aparticular format from a corresponding media source and convert theparticular format to a particular packetized stream in the first formatfor delivery to the application; and sending the particular packetizedstream in the first format to the application as a second communication,the second communication including at least a portion of the particularmedia content item received via the particular module.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of modules is configured toreceive media content items via a different communication technology. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein the different communication technologiesinclude 8 vestigial sideband, cable television, internet protocoltelevision, satellite digital video broadcasting, or a combinationthereof.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first communication isincluded in a first Ethernet frame and the second communication isincluded in a second Ethernet frame; the first Ethernet frame identifiesa media access control address associated with the display device as asource of the first Ethernet frame; and the second Ethernet frameidentifies the media access control address associated with the displaydevice as a destination of the second Ethernet frame.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of modules includes a satellitetelevision module and a cable television module.
 6. The method of claim1, further comprising, when the media selection command specifiesinternet protocol television, sending a multicast join request from aninternet protocol television module of the plurality of modules to aninternet protocol television source.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first communication is included in a first home phone networkingalliance message from the display device to the media interface device,and wherein the second communication is included in a second home phonenetworking alliance message from the media interface device to thedisplay device.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstcommunication is included in a first power-line message from the displaydevice to the media interface device, and wherein the secondcommunication is included in a second power-line message from the mediainterface device to the display device.
 9. The method of claim 1,further comprising sending an internet protocol address assignmentmessage from the media interface device to the display device.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising receiving a third communicationfrom a second application, the third communication including a secondmedia selection command.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the secondapplication executes on the processor in the display device or executeson a second processor in a second display device. 12.-21. (canceled) 22.An apparatus comprising: a plurality of modules including a first moduleconfigured to receive first media content as a first packetized streamin a first format and a second module configured to receive second mediacontent in a second format that differs from the first format, whereineach of the plurality of modules is configured to receive media contentin a particular format from a corresponding media source and convert theparticular format to a packetized stream in the first format fordelivery to a device in response to a request from the device for themedia content; an interface configured to: receive a media selectioncommand included in a first communication from an application executingon a processor in a display device, the media selection commandidentifying a particular media content item; and send a particularpacketized stream in the first format to the application as a secondcommunication, the second communication including at least a portion ofthe particular media content item; and a control plane configured toselect a particular module of the plurality of modules to receive theparticular media content item based on the media selection command. 23.The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a storage deviceconfigured to store media content items received by the particularmodule.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the particular module isconfigured to packetize media content to generate packetized mediacontent.
 25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the plurality of modulesincludes an 8-level vestigial side band module, a satellite digitalvideo broadcasting module, an internet protocol television module, acable television module, a direct internet access module, or acombination thereof.
 26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein theinterface comprises a power-line interface, a home phone networkalliance interface, an Ethernet interface, an institute of electricaland electronics engineers 802.11 interface, or a combination thereof.27. A computer readable storage device comprising instructionsexecutable by a first processor to perform operations including:receiving a media selection command included in a first communicationfrom an application executing on a processor in a display device, themedia selection command identifying a particular media content item;receiving the particular media content item via a particular module of aplurality of modules coupled to the first processor, wherein theparticular module is selected based on the media selection command,wherein a first module of the plurality of modules is configured toreceive first media content as a first packetized stream in a firstformat, wherein a second module of the plurality of modules isconfigured to receive second media content in a second format differentthan the first format, and wherein each of the plurality of modules isconfigured to receive media content in a particular format from acorresponding media source and convert the particular format to aparticular packetized stream in the first format for delivery to theapplication; and sending the particular packetized stream in the firstformat to the application as a second communication, the secondcommunication including at least a portion of the particular mediacontent item received via the particular module.
 28. The computerreadable storage device of claim 27, wherein each of the plurality ofmodules is configured to receive media content via a differentcommunication technology.
 29. The computer readable storage device ofclaim 28, wherein: the first communication is included in a firstEthernet frame and the second communication is included in a secondEthernet frame; the first Ethernet frame identifies a media accesscontrol address associated with the display device as a source of thefirst Ethernet frame; and the second Ethernet frame identifies the mediaaccess control address associated with the display device as adestination of the second Ethernet frame.